What does it take to create the next leap in growth for the design and lifestyle industry?

At Lifestyle Growth 2026, you’ll meet ambitious companies looking to develop and scale their businesses. Watch selected companies pitch to a panel of investors and experienced business leaders, and gain new perspectives on growth, innovation and sustainable development.

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Follow as business models and growth potential are challenged and discussed, and get insight into both the opportunities and difficult questions that arise when a company is looking to grow. Emerging companies will also pitch their ideas for the audience talent award.

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This year’s expert panel is chaired by Christian Stadil, CEO of Thornico, and includes profiles from the lifestyle industry, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment, including representatives from DK Company, LoveMondays, Founderment, EIFO, Nordic Female Founders and Ferm Living.

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Lifestyle Growth is open to anyone curious about developments in the design and lifestyle industry and interested in getting closer to the ideas and companies shaping its future.

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Register for Lifestyle Growth

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Think you could sell an idea in two minutes?

Ready Set Pitch! is a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn what makes a convincing pitch - and then put it to the test in front of real founders and investors.

You’ll start with a crash course covering structure, storytelling, delivery, and confidence. Then you’ll team up, receive a business case on the spot, and get one hour to turn it into a convincing two-minute pitch.

Finally, it’s time to take the stage. Pitch your case to a jury of founders and investors from Founderment and Delphinus Venture Capital, get direct feedback, and see which team takes home the win.

No experience or startup idea needed. The business case is provided, there’s nothing to prepare, and you’ll be placed in a team on the night.

After the pitches, stick around for burgers from Lighthouse Burgers, drinks, and networking with the jury and your fellow students.

Come alone or bring your friends and classmates - spots are limited and first come, first served.

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‍How do we make it easier for new investors to find their way into Aarhus’ startup ecosystem?

For many potential investors, the startup world can seem both exciting and difficult to navigate. Where do you find the interesting companies in Aarhus? How do you assess the opportunities? What does it actually take to get started? And which organisations are already working with startup investments in Aarhus?

These are exactly the questions at the heart of a special morning meeting hosted by Startup Aarhus on October 8 for new and curious investors, ahead of Aarhus Investor Summit. The aim is to give participants a better understanding of the startup ecosystem and create a space where they can ask questions, find inspiration, and meet others interested in investing in young growth companies.

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There is interest in startup investments, but for many, the gap between interest and action remains significant. That is why Startup Aarhus wants to create a more accessible path into the investment environment.

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As Otto Bjerg Hausgaard, Investment Specialist at Startup Aarhus, who is hosting the morning meeting and works daily to connect companies seeking capital with investors, says:

“We meet many people who are curious about startup investments but are looking for more insight into how the market works and how to get started. The morning meeting is intended to make it easier to take the first steps and give participants a better foundation for engaging with the startup segment.”

At the morning meeting, participants will gain insight into, among other things, how startup investments differ from more traditional investments, and who some of the experienced investors and key players in the East Jutland startup ecosystem are.

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The initiative has been developed in collaboration with a number of the largest organisations with private banking activities in Aarhus, who will also take part in the day. In this way, new investors will have the opportunity to meet both the startup ecosystem and some of the established financial players in the city.

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This event gives new investors an overview of the Aarhus startup ecosystem and an introduction to what to expect from Aarhus Investor Summit and Townhall. You will be introduced to key players in the Aarhus ecosystem, including INCUBA, Startup Aarhus, AU Kitchen, DanBAN, and Keystones, as well as selected startups that have achieved success in Aarhus.

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Registration: Through the private banking department of selected banks or directly with Otto Hausgaard at otto@thelink.dk.

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The programme features perspectives from leading voices in venture capital, discussions on current market trends, and opportunities to connect with business angels, venture funds, family offices, and other investors with an interest in startups and growth companies. (Full programme TBA, ending at 14.30)

This year, we are strengthening the investor focus even further with a curated audience and a programme designed to make Aarhus worth the trip, whether you are travelling from Copenhagen, elsewhere in Denmark, or abroad.

The day concludes with the INCUBA Awards, celebrating Startup of the Year and Investor of the Year for their contribution to growth, innovation, and the development of the Aarhus startup ecosystem.

‍Please note: Aarhus Investor Summit is exclusively for investors.